I. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS It is unlawful to possess, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale spotted seatrout in coastal and joint fishing waters of North Carolina except dealers will have until Wednesday, February 12, 2014 to dispose of unfrozen spotted seatrout in their possession taken prior to the closure.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Fisheries Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 03H .0103.

C. This action was taken to control fishing effort following a severe cold stun event under the approved management strategy in the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan.

D. It is the intent of the Fisheries Director to open the spotted seatrout season for commercial and recreational fishing by proclamation on June 15, 2014 after surviving fish have had the opportunity to spawn.